Why I Got Started

I was going on a cruise to Alaska, and thought I would try to lose some weight and get in better shape before going. Although I weight trained and did cardio 3 days a week, I was not seeing the results I desired. I looked at my program and decided that although I was strong, I was carrying way too much body fat.

I changed from a powerlifting type of workout to a traditional bodybuilding in order to transform my appearance and also feel better about myself. I was familiar with Bodybuilding.com from seeing Bob Cicherillo at a local bodybuilding contest in Virginia the previous year. I went on the site, found some good ideas and I was off to the races.

Inspired by seeing Chick on Bodybuilding.com, Joe hatched his own fitness agenda.

How I Did It

I scrapped the workout and diet I was on, which really was not a plan at all. I decided that I should eat 6 meals per day, and try to drink at least a gallon of water as well. Through trial and error and the devised nutritional plan below, the weight really started to come off.

I was consistently seeing 2-to-3 pounds per week of weight loss. Interestingly enough, as I increased my protein intake the weight loss seemed to accelerate. At the same time I completely changed my workouts from a powerlifting type workout to a bodybuilding regimen. I increased my reps and reduced my rest time as well. This also assisted in accelerating my fat loss. Cardio was done on a more consistent basis as well.

Of all this inspired me to become a personal trainer, and I got certified through the ISSA. I also entered a natural bodybuilding contest in 2007, placing 6th out of 15 in the Masters weight class. This whole experience was truly life changing.

Joe is now a disciple, preaching the word to anyone who will genu-flex at the altar of muscle.

Steamed vegetables w/ 1 teaspoon olive oil

Plain rice cakes

Meal 4:

Fat-free cottage cheese

Apple

Meal 5:

Tilapia

Garden salad w/ fat free dressing

Meal 6:

Oats

Training

I train my entire body with a 4-day split workout program. All weights are pyramided up. This is an example of my workouts. No two workouts are repeated. Exercise selection, and order are always different.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional prior to beginning any diet or exercise program or taking any dietary supplement. The content on our website is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.